The debate around social housing and the Brutalist architecture that embodies it has been raging for half a century. Now war is being waged against these estates, but social need is as great as ever before.

The Liyuan Library just outside Beijing isn't your typical "get comfy and curl up with a nice cosy novel" spot. Nor should it be. Inspired by architect Li Xiaodong's work on the building, we take a look at five libraries that take a different angle on things.